Africa-Press – Namibia.
August 26 Holdings, a company owned by the ministry of defence, has distanced itself from the ongoing financial woes of Enercon Namibia, stating that it is not obligated to settle the company’s debts.
This follows concerns raised by Enercon employees over unpaid salaries, as well as public questions regarding August 26’s role as a shareholder.
Responding to New Era enquiries, August 26 board chairperson Brigadier General Fillimon Shafashike clarified that Enercon operates as an independent legal entity and is solely responsible for its own operational and financial affairs.
“Allow me to respectfully clarify that operational matters concerning Enercon fall within the purview of Enercon itself as a standalone legal entity. It would therefore be most appropriate for such queries to be addressed directly to Enercon, which is well placed to respond authoritatively on the company’s internal affairs, including those related to employee remuneration,” Shafashike said.
Enercon reportedly owes its 27 employees over N$6.7 million in unpaid salaries, with the last payments made in July 2024.
One employee, speaking on condition of anonymity, said staff have been left in the dark by management, without communication or clarity on when or if they will be paid.
“The last communication we had was from Connie van Wyk, Enercon’s Chief Executive Officer, who told us there was no money because the contract between the company and the Namibia Defence Force had ended,” the employee recounted.
The employee further revealed that despite this explanation, Enercon had other clients, including Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) and reportedly received a N$60 million payment in February 2025. However, staff were shocked to find that their salaries remained unpaid.
“The company received N$60 million in February, and that money went into a few pockets. Most of us have been struggling since then. Some are depressed, others are deep in debt. Without a monthly income, we are unable to survive,” the employee said.
“We have been consulting our lawyers and plan to approach the ministry of labour to intervene. Yes, the managers are in custody, and Victor Malima has fled the country, but that is no excuse for us not to be paid. They were arrested only last month, but we haven’t received a salary since June last year,” the employee stressed.
Earlier in July, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested several individuals linked to Enercon, including co-owners and directors Peter Elindi and Malakia Elindi, as well as Malakia’s wife, Lydia.
They are accused of fraud, corruption, and misappropriation of State funds linked to a controversial N$53 million fuel infrastructure deal that collapsed without assets being delivered or the money being repaid.
The trio was arrested shortly after the arrest of Immanuel “Imms” Mulunga, former managing director of Namcor, who is accused of authorising the disbursement of the funds to Enercon without board approval or due diligence.
The ACC alleges that Mulunga facilitated the payment in 2022 as part of a planned investment in Angolan fuel infrastructure, but the deal quickly unravelled. Despite the millions transferred, no fuel infrastructure was ever acquired, and Namcor, a State-owned petroleum company, was left with a multi-million-dollar loss.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
